Walking with Dinosaurs

Dinosaurs, without question, are one of the most interesting facets of the history of our planet. The great age of these prehistoric gargantuan creatures is a period that people devote their lives to uncovering. With discovering such an enigmatic, rich world that is for the shocking majority still unbeknownst to us, it is no wonder that filmmakers have been exploring the great story of these grandiose raptors since technology allowed it.

Walking with Dinosaurs, opening later this week, worked in collaboration with BBC Earth to produce the stunning backdrops and sweeping landscapes for the computer-generated Dinosaurs that feature in the film. Adapted primarily from a TV series of the same name that aired on the BBC back in 1999, the film follows the treacherous upbringing of the underdog protagonist, and the struggles he faces as the runt of the litter as he progresses into adulthood. Although aimed at a young audience, a beautiful story like this is easily accessible to people of any age.

A film built on CGI characters paired with real life scenery is a risk not often taken by filmmakers. To encapsulate and enliven a world we know little more than a small fraction about and tell a tale while doing so is no easy feat. A feat, it must be said, that is brilliantly overcome. The cinematography alone in this piece of cinema is a character in and of itself, so awe striking at times that it is difficult to believe that something else happening on screen is the focal point at that moment.

However, as triumphant as this film may seem, there are select few moments of screen time where the animation is lacking. Obviously, it goes without saying that recreating an animal that we have only seen bones and fossils of is a grandiose challenge, so to say animation is lacking does not discount from the other shots that appear throughout, where it is reasonable to question if the dinosaurs are animated and not part of a documentary that so happened to be filmed millions of years ago.

A youthful delight from start to finish, Walking with Dinosaurs is a heart-warming film for all ages, just in time for Christmas.